Pentaclethra Macrophylla Research Articles

Assessment of Anticoccidial and Antioxidant Efficacy of Methanolic Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla on Rabbits

Assessment of Anticoccidial and Antioxidant Efficacy of Methanolic Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla on Rabbits

English

This study investigated fungi and total aflatoxins quality of ogiri [fermented melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris] and fermented African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla) consumed as soup condiment in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The ogiri samples were purchased from two major markets in Abakaliki metropolis [meat market (OM and UM) and rice mill market (OR and UR)]. The samples were screened for their pH values, total fungi count and total aflatoxins content. A total of four samples were analzed for six weeks. The total aflatoxins were analyzed using highly sensitive competitive enzyme link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader. The ogiri samples were also analyzed for total fungal count using a digital colony counting machine (CCM China). The result showed that all the ogiri samples analyzed were heavily contaminated by the fungal cells. The total mean fungal count for the ogiri processed from melon seed were 2.2 × 107 and 2.2 × 107 cfu/g for OM and OR, respectively while the ogiri processed from African oil bean were 1.4 × 107 and 1.6 × 107 cfu/g for UM and UR samples, respectively. The ogiri samples also contained unacceptable levels of aflatoxins as the average total aflatoxins for all the samples were above the minimum acceptable limits (10 ppm), according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as reported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA. The research also revealed that ogiri samples have high moisture content. The study recommends that more improved process line be put in place to ensure that all ogiri sold in Abakaliki are produced using Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).   Key words: Ogiri, aflatoxins, fungi, African oil bean, melon seed, enzyme link immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Antiulcerogenic Potentials of Fermented Aqueous Extract of <i>Pentaclethra macrophylla</i> (Benth) Seeds

Pentaclethra macrophylla popularly known as African oil bean is a member of the Leguminosae family. A decoction of fermented extract of the plant has been known to be effective in the management of malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders and dental caries. This study evaluated the antiulcerogenic potentials of aqueous extract of fermented P. macrophylla seeds using acetic acid, aspirin, ethanol, indomethacin and pyloric ligation of ethanol induced ulcer models at the doses of 400 and 800mg/kg body weight. Omeprazole at 5mg/kg was used as a standard reference drug. The result of the acute toxicity test showed that up to 5,000mg/kg body weight of the extract did not cause any mortality of the animals. The different doses of the extract and the reference drug decreased significantly (pP. macrophylla seeds. However, the decoction of the plant could be employed in ethnomedicine for the treatment of peptic ulcer.

Incidence of enteric pathogens in ugba, a traditional fermented food from African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla)

BackgroundThe lack of good production practices and probable post-fermentation contaminations contribute to bacterial pathogen load in ugba, a fermented food made from African oil been seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth). Some of these bacteria are not easily detected using standard culturing techniques. The study used molecular-based approaches involving PCR, cloning and sequencing as well as culture-based methods to investigate the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria within the microbiome of ugba. Six samples (OK1-OK6) were purchased from different local markets within Lagos and Abia States in Nigeria and used in the study.ResultsA total of 14 pathogenic bacteria were identified among the bacteria diversity found in ugba. Two pathogens (11%) were uniquely identified by cultural and biochemical characteristics, 12 pathogens (67%) were uniquely identified by culture-independent (PCR-clone-based) method and 4 pathogens (22%) were found in both methods. Enteric pathogens were common and Bacillus sp. was conspicuously absent. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus detected by cultural method in this study and elsewhere were not picked up by culture-independent method. This is the first report of the presence of Acinetobacter baumanii, Clostridium sartagofum, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Comamonas testosteronii, and Aeromonas sp. in ugba as identified by PCR-clone-based techniques. Though the genera Salmonella and Proteus have been associated with ugba in previous studies, the species-level identities were determined in this research by the culture-independent method used.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of using appropriate technologies and correct species identification strategies in studying microbiological quality and food safety issues in fermented foods in a developing country like Nigeria.

Development of Texturized Vegetable Protein from Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and African Oil Bean Seed [Pentaclethrama crophylla (Benth)]: Optimization Approach

Abstract As part of measures to combat protein shortages in form of meat analogues, extrusion processing conditions for the development of Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP) from under-utilized sources (Lima bean and African oil bean seed) are analysed. Optimum parameters for processing were established as being: barrel temperature (92.45°C), screw speed (101.48 rpm), feed moisture (59.63%) and African oil bean seed protein concentrates (AOBSPC) of 1%. Concentrations of essential amino-acids were also found to be significant (0.90-7.3%) with a near absence of anti-nutritional factors (0.0022–1.0008) g/kg. Sensory evaluation showed that TVP5 (100% LBPC) compared favourably with the control sample (cooked meat) in overall acceptability. An Acceptable and nutritious meat analogue had been developed.

Fermentation induced changes in volatile components of African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) seeds.

Fermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) seed also referred to as “Ugba” is a known delicacy, mainly consumed by Africans. Human migration has also led to the introduction of this delicacy into most European and American countries. This study shows the changes in volatile components of African oil bean (P. macrophylla Benth) seed at different stages of fermentation. A quantity of 0.3 kg each of dehulled and sliced raw sample and cooked unfermented sample were separately ground, while 2 and 4 days fermented samples obtained by inoculating 0.6 kg of cooked, sliced and washed sample with 0.5 g of 4 days fermented seed was divided into two of 0.3 kg each and ground at the second and fourth day of fermentation. GC‐MS analyses of the volatile components showed 9,12‐Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)‐ and its esters as highest in raw seed, with total percentage concentration of 96.301, while 9‐Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (E)‐ was highest in cooked unfermented seed, with percentage concentration 55.204. Phenol, 2‐methoxy‐3‐(2‐propenyl)‐ and its esters were the highest observed in cooked 2 days fermented seed, with total percentage concentration of 50.596, while 9‐Octadecenoic acid (Z)‐, methyl ester was highest in cooked 4 days fermented seed with percentage concentration of 67.788. Aside from softening the delicacy, a 4 days chance fermentation of cooked P. macrophylla Benth seed also reduces the eight component lipids present in the cooked unfermented seed to a more nutriceutical three component lipids (Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 9‐Octadecenoic acid (Z)‐methyl ester and Methyl stearate).

Commonly Consumed Foods: Nutritional Quality and Contributions to Recommended Nutrient Intakes of Schoolchildren in Rural Southeastern Nigeria.

Commonly consumed foods may be nutritionally inadequate. Schoolchildren may be at risk of undernutrition as a result of this. To assess the nutrient and energy values of commonly consumed foods and determine their contributions to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) of schoolchildren (6-15 years). List of commonly consumed foods was obtained through focus group discussions with parents of schoolchildren. Ninety randomly selected schoolchildren were visited at home on 3 consecutive days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) during which their portion sizes of these foods were obtained. Aliquots of these foods were collected, wrapped in polyethylene bags, and kept frozen until analysis. The samples were analyzed using standard methods. Percentage contributions of the nutrients to RNI were calculated. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results per 100 g showed that Pentaclethra macrophylla ( akpaka) sauce had the highest moisture (76.91%), ash (6.9%), iron (13.51%), and vitamin A (44.0 retinol equivalent [RE]). Steamed bambara groundnut pudding ( okpa) had the highest protein (15.08%). Maize + pigeon pea ( ayaraya oka) had the highest fat (15.76%). Tomato stew proved superior in carbohydrate (28.15%) and energy (194.6 kcal). Pterocarpus soyauxii ( oha) soup contained the highest fiber (4.13%). Yam + pigeon pea ( ayaraya ji) had the highest zinc (4.97 mg). Contributions to RNI were protein (5.0%-134.0%), carbohydrate (0.6%-9.9%), energy (4.9%-38.8%), iron (1.5%-168.8%), vitamin A (0.0%-18.7%), and zinc (1.2%-166.0%). Most foods did not meet one-third of the schoolchildren's RNI for vitamin A, zinc, iron, protein, carbohydrate, and energy. Nutrition education on nutrient adequacy is recommended.

Status and distribution patterns of selected medicinal and food tree species in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria

The distribution of medicinal and food tree species in Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State were assessed. Data were collected using socio-economic survey and biological study. A total of 50 respondents from the study area were randomly selected and relevant information on the uses and contributions of tree species of food and medicinal importance was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaire and Focused Group Discussion (FGD). A total of ten communities were sampled, with one community in each of the ten political wards in the LGA. Tree species of ethno-botany and food relevance were identified and enumerated in the course of field survey in the study communities. The spatial distributions of six most-frequently utilized tree species were mapped using Geographical Information System (GIS). Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance. A total of 22 tree species, belonging to16 families, known to be used for medicinal and food purposes, were identified in the ten study communities. Dacryodes edulis of the family Burseraceae was the most abundant tree species in the area having about 13% of the species encountered. In the study locations, the least-occurring species were Dialium guineensis and Garcinia kola with 0.27% each. Fabaceae and Rutaceae were the most represented families with 13.64% and 3 species each belonging to each of the two families. The six (6) mostly utilized species in the area were Dacryodes edulis, Chrysophyllum albidium, Persea americana, Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica and Moringa oleifera. The seven tree species that were abundant in the study area were Annona muricata, Citrus sinensis, Cola nitida, Dacryodes edulis, Elaeise quineensis Magifera indica and Psidium guajava with relative density (RD) of 6.29, 11.98, 12.72, 12.99, 6.16, 9.20 and 9.47, respectively. Dennettia tripetala and Persea americana were frequent species with RD values of 4.33 and 4.06, respectively. Dialium guineensis Garcinia kola and Pentaclethra macrophylla were threatened, having RD of 0.27, 0.27 and 0.47, respectively. A total of 8 tree species including: Anacardium occidentale, Azadirachta indica, Chrysophyllum albidium, Citrus aurantiifolia, Citrus lemon, Gliricidia sepium, Irvingia gaboneensis and Moringa oleifera were rare in the area with RD of 1.76, 1.49, 2.44, 2.44, 1.49, 1.69, 1.76 and 2.10, respectively. The threatened species include Dialium guineensis, Garcinia kola and Pentaclethra macrophylla with RD values of 0.27, 0.27 and 0.47, respectively. In seven of the ten communities, (i.e. Emeabiam, Eziobodo, Nekede, Ihiagwa, Okuku, Obinze, and Umuguma), Dacryodes edulis was the dominant species with 23, 35, 32, 32, 9, 10 and 14 stems, respectively while Mangifera indica predominated in Avu, Irete, and Ndegwu with 24, 14, and 11stems, respectively.Keywords: Species abundance, status, distribution, utilization, extinction

The Proximate Composition and Essential Oils of Processed Pentaclethra macrophylla Seeds

The Proximate Composition and Essential Oils of Processed Pentaclethra macrophylla Seeds

Chemical composition, functional and sensory properties of maize-based snack (Elekute) enriched with African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla benth)

This research work was carried out to evaluate the physicochemical properties of Elekute enriched with African oil bean seed. Elekute (a maize-based snack in West Africa) was substituted with oil bean seed in the ratio 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 with 100% Elekute as control. Results revealed higher protein content with increased substitution (highest was 23.14% in 60:40). Mineral composition as well as the phytic acid, oxalate and tannins in the samples also increased with higher substitution level. There was significant difference among the samples in bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion capacity and stability and foaming capacity but no significant difference in gelation capacity. Enrichment of Elekute snack by incorporating African oil bean seed improved the nutritional quality of this maize-based snack with high level of acceptance from the taste panelist. Key words: Elekute, African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla).

Impact of various cooking methods on the micronutrient compositions of selected legumes in Eastern Nigeria

The impact of various methods of cooking on the concentration of some micronutrients in African Breadfruit (Treculia africana), Melon seeds (Citrullus vulgaris), Groundnut (Arachis hypogea), African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla), Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) samples were evaluated using standard methods. The results show that only the β-carotene and potassium contents of African Breadfruit were significantly affected by the various forms of heat processing applied. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the β-carotene content was observed for the melon seeds samples on application of heat by boiling (19223.61±4.00mg/100g) and microwave cooking (19028.59±62.12mg/100g), compared to the raw samples (12462.13±39.11mg/100g), which was equally observed for, groundnut, and cashew nut samples. Heat processing by boiling, pressure cooking, and microwave cooking significantly reduced the K content of the melon seeds, while heat processing by frying caused no significant effect. The Mg, Mn, Na, Zn, and Ca contents of the melon seeds were unaffected by the forms of heat applied. For the oil bean samples, the total carotenoid, K, Na, and Ca contents showed a significant decrease on application of the processing methods used in this study, while a similar result was obtained for the heat processed coconut samples, with an additional change in the Mg content, on application of heat. This study has shown that, Boiling, Frying, Pressure cooking and Microwave cooking affected the micronutrient composition of the selected legumes. Cooking by boiling showed the most retention of the micronutrients whereas the frying and microwave cooking methods showed more losses in micronutrient content.

Telemetric tracking of scatterhoarding and seed fate in a Central African forest

AbstractIn seed predation studies, removal of a seed is only the first step of a dynamic process that may result in dispersal rather than seed death. This process, termed seed fate, has received little attention in African forests, particularly in Central Africa. We experimentally assessed the initial steps of seed fate for two tree species—the large‐seeded Pentaclethra macrophylla and the relatively small‐seeded Gambeya lacourtiana—in northeastern Gabon. Specifically, we evaluated whether seed size and seed consumer identity are important determinants of seed fate. We established experimental stations under conspecific fruiting trees, each comprising three seeds fitted with telemetric thread tags to facilitate their recovery, and a motion‐sensitive camera to identify visiting mammals. In total, animals removed 76 tagged seeds from experimental stations. Small Murid rats and mice primarily removed small Gambeya seeds, whereas large‐bodied rodents and mandrills primarily removed large Pentaclethra seeds. Gambeya seeds were carried shorter distances than Pentaclethra seeds and were less likely to be cached. The two large‐bodied rodents handled seeds differently: Cricetomys emini larderhoarded nearly all (N = 15 of 16) encountered Pentaclethra seeds deep in burrows, while Atherurus africanus cached all (N = 5 of 5) encountered Pentaclethra seeds singly under 1–3 cm of leaf litter and soil, at an average distance of 24.2 m and a maximum distance of 46.3 m from experimental stations. This study supports the hypothesis that seed fate varies based on seed size and seed consumer identity, and represents the first telemetric experimental evidence of larderhoarding and scatterhoarding in the region.

Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Phytochemical Contents of Indigenous Nigerian Softwoods

The phytochemical contents of some milled Nigerian softwood chips were carried out in a quest to evaluate their potentials as sources of alternative medicine as well as uses in other industrial applications. The qualitative and quantitative analysis were ascertained. Tannin was found in all the Nigerian softwoods examined with the highest quantities obtained in Sterculia oblonga (1240 mg/100 g) and Barteria nigritiana (1230 mg/100 g). Highest quantities of alkaloid were obtained in Cordia millenii (11.2%) and Sterculia oblonga (10.4%). Barteria nigritiana (14.2%) and Moringa oleifera (12.2%) recorded more flavonoid content than other individual softwoods. Saponin was more in Anogeissus leiocarpus (12.5%) and Dichrostachys cinerea (9.8%). Oxalate was found to be higher in Combretodendron macrocarpum (5.84 g/100 g) and Glyphaea brevis (3.55 g/100 g). Pentaclethra macrophylla (890 mg/100 g) and Moringa oleifera (880 mg/100 g) contained more cyanogenic glycosides. Sacoglottis gabonensis (4.68 mg/g) and Pentaclethra macrophylla (4.04 mg/g) showed the highest contents of phenol, while more lipids (8% and 7.2%) were found in Anogeissus leiocarpus and Kaempferia galanga, respectively. The results showed that these Nigerian softwoods grains could be a source for the exploitation of these phytochemicals beneficial in the pharmaceutical and alternative medicine industries.

Influence of Moisture Content and Seed Dimensions on Mechanical Oil Expression from African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) Seed

Purpose: New low-cost oilseeds are needed to meet an ever-increasing demand for oil for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. African oil bean seed is a tropical crop that is underutilized and has high oil yields, but there have been no studies conducted on its mechanical oil expression up to now. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of moisture content and seed dimensions on mechanical oil expression from the seeds. Methods: Fresh oil bean seeds were procured, de-hulled, and cleaned. Initial seed moisture content, obtained in accordance with the ASAE standard, was 12% dry basis (db). The seeds were further conditioned by dehydration and rehydration prior to oil expression to obtain four other moisture levels of 8, 10, 14, and 16% db. The major diameter of the seeds was measured using digital vernier calipers, and the seeds were classified into size dimensions (< 40, 41-45, 46-50, 51-55, and > 55 mm). The oil yield and expression efficiency were obtained in accordance with standard evaluation methods. Results: The highest oil yield and expression efficiency (47.74% and 78.96%, respectively) were obtained for a moisture content of 8% db and seed dimensions of < 40 mm, while the lowest oil yield and expression efficiency (41.35% and 68.28%, respectively) were obtained for a moisture content of 14% db and seed dimensions between 51-55 mm. A mathematical model was developed to predict oil yield for known moisture content and seed dimensions, with a coefficient of determination <TEX>$R^2$</TEX> of 95% and the confidence level of the predictive model of 84.17%. The probability of prediction F ratio showed that moisture content influence was more significant than seed dimensions. Conclusions: The higher the moisture content and larger the seed dimensions, the lower the oil yield from African oil bean seeds.

Plant Diversity and Carbon Storage Assessment in an African Protected Forest: A Case of the Eastern Part of the Dja Wildlife Reserve in Cameroon

Although the forests of the Congo basin are known for their richness in species, there are still several works in assessing their biomass. Mindful of this fact, the present study performed in the Dja biosphere reserve aims to assess plant diversity and carbon stocks. 10 transects of 5 ha each were assessed. 9,293 individuals divided into 47 families, 150 genera and 205 species were recorded. Euphorbiaceae was the most important family. The overall carbon stocks assessed was, 354.73 Mg C/ha. In the secondary forest the quantity of carbon stocks evaluated was 330.67±40.07 Mg C/ha. The Raphiales and Wetlands accumulated a quantity of carbon stocks of 15.06±0.08 and 9.00±2.06 Mg C/ha respectively. Euphorbiaceae stored an amount of 68.38 Mg C/ha, followed by the Mimosaceae which stores the amount of 51.07 Mg C/ha and the Irvingiaceae which stores an amount of 26.07 Mg C/ha. Uapaca guineensis stored 53.60 Mg C/ha. Pentaclethra macrophylla, Petersianthus macrocarpus and Desbordesia glaucescens all stored 117.56 Mg C/ha. For an index of diversity of 3.71, secondary forest stores approximately 93% of the total carbon stock. The test of comparison carried out showed a significant difference between the carbon stocks obtained on the land cover type (LCT) (ANOVA, F = 45.76; P < 0.001).

The Biotechnology of Ugba, a Nigerian Traditional Fermented Food Condiment.

Legumes and oil bean seeds used for the production of condiments in Africa are inedible in their natural state; they contain some anti-nutritional factors especially undigestible oligosaccharides and phytate. Fermentation impact desirable changes by reducing anti-nutritional factors and increasing digestibility. Ugba is an alkaline fermented African oil bean cotyledon (Pentaclethra macrophylla) produced by the Ibos and other ethnic groups in southern Nigeria. Seen as a family business in many homes, its preparation is in accordance with handed-down tradition from previous generations and serves as a cheap source of plant protein. Its consumption as a native salad is made possible by fermentation of the cotyledon for 2–5 days, but could also serve as a soup flavoring agent when fermentation last for 6–10 days. The fermentation process involved is usually natural with an attendant issue of product safety, quality and inconsistency. The production of this condiment is on a small scale and the equipment used are very rudimentary, devoid of good manufacturing procedures that call to question the issue of microbial safety. This paper therefore reviews the production process and the spectrum of microbial composition involved during fermentation. In addition, potential spoilage agents, nutritional and biochemical changes during production are examined. Furthermore, information that can support development of starter cultures for controlled fermentation process in order to guarantee microbiological safety, quality and improved shelf life are also discussed.

Antimicrobial Study of Oil and Stem Bark Extracts of Pentaclethra Macrophylla Benth on Six Selected Pathogens

The antimicrobial activity of oil and stem bark extracts of pentaclethra macrophylla benth was determined against staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumonia, Eschericia coli, Haemophilus influenza, α-Haemolytic Streptococcus and Yeast, using hole diffusion method. The results revealed that the most inhibitory zone (25.0mm) was recorded in hexane oil extract against staphylococcus aureus and α-Haemolytic Streptococcus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the oil extract ranges between 7.8125-62.5mg/ml on all the test organisms and aqueous stem bark extract inhibited only Eschericia coli with minimum, inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5mg/ml. However, the oil extract possessed more antimicrobial activity than the stem bark extract. These findings lend more knowledge to the use of pentaclethra macrophylla benth for medicinal purposes.&#x0D;

Evaluation of Saponin Extract from Vitex doniana and Pentaclethra macrophylla for Antibacterial Activity

Saponins are pharmacologically active compounds that have been shown to ameliorate abnormal physiological processes and be aptly applied in folklore for the treatment of maladies occasioned by infectious agents. Consequently, saponins from Vitex doniana and Pentaclethra macrophylla were evaluated for antibacterial properties, as these herbs are used in folk medicine. Dried pulverized plant materials were defatted, and solvents with varying polarity were applied at varying ratios for the extraction of saponins. Phyto-chemistry was in accordance with standard methods, while an antibacterial assay was made through the agar well diffusion and micro broth dilution techniques. Phytochemical quantitation showed high concentrations of tannins, 231 ± 0.6 CE/g, and saponins, 58% from V. doniana. Similarly, P. macrophylla stem bark extract also showed high concentrations of tannins, 309 ± 2.42 CE/g, alkaloids, 71% ± 0.5%, and saponins, 87% ± 3.4%. The ethanol extracts of V. doniana inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 11775) and a clinical strain with inhibition zone ranges of 15.5 ± 2.12 to 7.0 ± 0.0 (mm) against leaf extracts and 20.0 ± 1.41 to 7.0 ± 0.0 (mm) against stem bark extracts. Conversely, saponin extract from V. doniana showed a broad spectrum of activity, as it inhibited both Gram-negative and -positive test strains, E. coli clinical strain (20.0 ± 1.41 mm), P. aeruginosa clinical strain (18.5 ± 0.71 mm), E. coli ATCC 11775 (17.0 ± 0 mm), and S. aureus clinical strain (13.0 ± 1.41 mm). However, a broad spectrum was similarly achieved with P. macrophylla extracts, as all test bacteria genus was susceptible. Saponin fractions showed a high potency and broad spectrum antibacterial activity and thus a validation of the folklore applications and the potential for use as a drug or drug scaffold.

An Assesesment of Leaf Chlorophyll Concentration of Afforestation Tree Species in South-Eastern, Nigeria

Abstract Leaf chlorophyll content provides valuable information about physiological status of plants. However, fewer studies have investigated the difference in chlorophyll concentration in leaves of tropical afforestation tree species. Therefore, this study examines the difference in foliar chlorophyll contents of six tropical afforestation tree species namely: Tectona grandis, Pentaclethra macrophylla, Piptademiastrum africanum, Azadirachta indica, Brachystegia eurycoma and Gmelina arborea found in the relict forest in Umudike, South east, Nigeria. A single factor experiment in a completely randomised design in three replicates was employed to analyse the rate of leaf chlorophyll contents. Fisher’s least significant different was used to test for significance in mean difference in foliar chlorophyll contents between tree species at 95% confidence interval using analysis of variance. The results of this study showed a significant difference in foliar chlorophyll concentration between the tree species with Tectona grandis having a higher chlorophyll concentration than other trees this could be as a result of its higher vegetative activity which increases its primary productivity followed by Pentaclethra macrophyllawhile Azadirachta indica having least the chlorophyll concentration. The study further revealed that other indigenous tree species like Piptademiastrum africanum and Brachystegia eurycoma have higher chlorophyll concentration. Further studies should be carry out to examine factors that have contributed informed the differences in the chlorophyll concentration of these trees species, thus this would broaden the understanding of their physiological status and equally encourage there conservation.Key Words: physiological status, chlorophyll concentration, tree species, tree foliar, environmental stress, productivity

Priority indigenous fruit trees in the African rainforest zone: insights from Sierra Leone

There is an increasing interest in indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) and their potential role for agroforestry, food security and poverty alleviation. Despite the growing numbers of studies on IFTs in Africa, little research has focused on the rainforest zone outside Cameroun and Nigeria. This study investigated if the important IFTs of Sierra Leone are among those previously identified as ‘priority’ species for this zone and, as they are not, a new approach combining focus-group data, field observations, a market survey and a ranking exercise was used to determine which IFTs have highest potential for agroforestry in a given area. Results indicated that the most important IFTs in Sierra Leone as established by local farmers are Parinari excelsa Sabine, Cola lateritia K. Schum., Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth., Heritiera utilis (Sprague) Sprague and Bussea occidentalis Hutch. However, following the ranking exercise, the species H. utilis, Garcinia kola Heckel and Beilschmiedia mannii (Meisn.) Benth. et Hook. f. ex B. D. Jacks., highly appreciated by locals, already managed by some farmers and reported ‘difficult to find in the wild’, were found to have the highest potential for agroforestry in the country. The findings highlighted that previous IFTs prioritization in Cameroun and Nigeria were not representative of the whole African rainforest zone. A new approach was successfully used to identify the IFTs with greatest potential for agroforestry in Sierra Leone. This simple cost-effective approach, which straightforwardly identifies opportunities and challenges for each species, could be used elsewhere in the tropics to establish a baseline for future domestication programs.